Raymond Monama - Fact File

Sundowns’ Monama Enjoying Game-time At Tuks
Raymond Monama joined Mamelodi Sundowns at the start of the season following Black Leopard's relegation to the NFD. Life was always going to be tough at Chloorkop where there were a host of top-class midfielders. Now seven months down the line, the 29-year-old has joined University Of Pretoria on loan in an attempt to get game-time and his career back on track. He had an interview with Sabie Chili and the talented midfielder spoke about life at downs, whether he regrets the move to Tshwane and why he chose Tuks over his potential suitors.

Hola Ray, you joined Tuks on loan from Sundowns. Has your time at Chloorkop been good for you?
Ja, it has. The training and facilities there have helped me a lot. It has been a great experience training with the experienced stars at Sundowns. I think I have grown a lot since I started there, just training with them and being with Pitso Mosimane makes me feel like I have improved.

So, you have learnt a lot?
Yes, I can see now, even with the way that I`m playing and training, that I have grown. Rubbing shoulders with the guys at Downs helps teach you how to react in certain situations, and that`s been great for my football.

Where do you think you have improved the most?
There are a lot of things I have improved in. Even at training you can feel the professionalism at Sundowns and playing with all of the great players there helps you grow. The coaches and players help you learn to think faster and react better in situations - you have to be at a higher level every day.

Why do you think you didn`t make the grade at Sundowns?Did they ever give you an explanation?
It`s not like I didn`t make the grade at Sundowns. Leaving was my decision and I had spoken to them about it. They believed that I was going to play at Sundowns, but I asked them for the six month loan.

So it wasn’t just that the other players were better than you?
No, it wasn`t about that. There are a lot of great players at Sundowns that are not playing and are waiting for their chance. When they get their chance they will start playing - there is a lot of competition there.

So there are no regrets on your part?
No, I don`t regret it at all. As I said, it`s only a six month loan. If I had not been playing much longer then it may be different, but it`s only six months and to be fair I have had injuries that have set me back.

True. Going on your first six months, how does life at Sundowns compare to life at Black Leopards?
It`s a big difference, you can`t really compare. The difference in facilities is big. At Sundowns you have everything and everyone wants to help you. At Leopards you always have to fight and work hard on the field. You had to use your talent. At Sundowns you have help from everybody and if you want to do extra training then there is someone who can advise you.

How has playing under Steve Barker at Tuks been?
It`s been extremely beneficial for me. I have impressed in a number of areas since I have joined. Now I`m more professional and I know the things that I need to focus on.

We know there were a few clubs looking to take you on loan this window. What was it that made you choose Tuks over the others?
I just felt that Tuks would be a good move for me, that`s really why I made my decision. They have good facilities and coaches here as well as a strong bunch of players. I have worked with Sammy Troughton before at Aces, and Steve Barker has always wanted to have me in his team. Steve asked me to join before I went to Sundowns and I thought it would be a good move for me to go and try and help the team.

And you still feel like you have a future at Chloorkop?
It`s not about giving up. I spoke with everyone at Sundowns about regaining my form and fitness, and also my confidence. When I have those back, I can return and try help the team.

So, they still have confidence in you?
For sure. The Sundowns technical team still has faith in me. They have got confidence that I will do well at Tuks and get back to 100% fitness. I will then return to Chloorkop.Thanks for your time and good luck for your future.
Thanks bro.

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